But while apparently there’s no dress code policy against matching orange apparel at the law offices of Elizabeth R. Wellborn, P.A., the firm nevertheless put the hammer down on the dressed-alike employees. According to news accounts, it was initially believed by a firm executive that the workers wore matching orange in a protest against management. But since firing them, the firm has said “no comment.” And in April, eight of the fired orange workers filed a federal complaint contesting their termination.

Now as far as I know Florida is an employment-at-will state, which basically means that in Florida, an employer does not need good cause to fire an employee. Having not read the federal complaint, I don’t know what novel civil rights theory or at-will exception is being argued by the orange shirt wearing workers. But all I can say is good luck with making thosearguments!

Mel and Joey have been dressing alike for three decades. And Mel always defers to his wife’s sartorial selections, which gravitate toward bright colors and flowery designs. They also have plenty of closet space, which no doubt has also helped promote their long-term marital bliss.

But while some long marriages are more a testament to endurance than experience, I doubt that’s the case with the Schwankes. Interestingly, neither remembers when they first started matching their ensembles. But what they will say is that it wasn’t during the first half of their 65-year marriage. That’s hardly surprising since I find that dressing alike — at least, early on in a relationship, can often lead to disharmony not harmony. One spouse, usually the husband, is unhappily sent back inside to shed the offending matching garment.

But if you stay married long enough — like ear hair — dressing alike eventually grows on you. And unlike all those married couples who claim matching outfits are unintentional, accidental or coincidental, Mel and Joey Schwanke make no bones about their intentions. Mel says, “We don’t dare go somewhere without having matching outfits.”